Our deeply engaged and experienced board is central to our company’s culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Our balanced board brings together people with a vision for the future and diversity of thought. Other than our CEO and president, all of our directors are independent. Each of our board committees is chaired by an independent director. Learn more about the board's composition and experience in our Proxy Statement.
The General Dynamics corporate governance guidelines provide a framework for effective governance of the board and the company.
Board Oversight of Risk
Under our comprehensive risk management program, the board oversees management’s identification and prioritization of risk, focusing on the most significant current and emerging risks facing the company that could have a substantive financial or strategic impact, including strategic, operational, financial, legal, environmental, cybersecurity and reputational risks.
The CEO and senior management team provide the board with a dedicated and comprehensive briefing of significant risks at least twice per year, and the board is briefed as needed throughout the year on specific risks as they arise, allowing the board to adjust its oversight strategy on a case-by-case basis as risk environments evolve.
The fully independent Sustainability Committee assists the board in overseeing corporate practices relating to sustainability, including environmental, employee health and safety, human rights, and other social matters.
Management
Accountable to the board, our management ensures that the company’s business decisions incorporate our strategic, operational and financial goals.
Our corporate headquarters is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction and governance of the company; allocating and deploying capital; and ensuring a culture of ethics and integrity that defines how we engage with our employees, communities, customers and suppliers.
Each of our 10 business units closely adheres to our corporate vision while maintaining individual responsibility for executing its operating plan. This model empowers our businesses to stay close to their customers while having the agility to make wise decisions quickly.
Companywide Councils
General Dynamics has companywide councils, made up of the senior operational executives from our business units, that share information and best practices to help address issues of shared importance, including those relating to sustainability. The chair of each council reports directly to the CEO on council matters, with mentorship from an assigned corporate headquarters executive.
Our companywide councils include:
- Manufacturing
- Supply Chain
- Cyber
- Engineering and Technology
- Contracts
